Ronny

Epilogue 1

Adelina Hendrix

"This is stupid."

"You're stupid." I retort, getting slightly irritated at Ronny's complaining.

"That's not nice."

"I'm sorry, but you are being a little baby right now." I kiss his cheek in apology for calling him stupid. "You don't even have to say anything just don't be mean."

He frowns and subconsciously plays with the diamond ring on my left ring finger, my hand on his lap. "You are lucky you are cute." I tell him, since if he was an ogre I probably wouldn't let him get away with as much as I do.

He can be very sassy sometimes.

"I don't like her." Is all he says, not budging on being very very unhappy about the dinner we are being driven to.

"Well tough shit."

His eyes widen.

"Yes, I'm swearing Ronny because you need to shape up. She's my sister alright? I know she has her issues but I'm trying to have a somewhat civil relationship with her. "

He huffs, "She always stares at me."

I frown now, "Ok yes she is annoyingly into you. And she's mean. And she definitely still hates me." I take my hand from his lap and put my head in both of my hands.

My heart hurts.

I left Mama and Papa and Avery behind. I still see and talk to Nick, but a part of me misses the rest of my family.

I know— they're awful people— but I can't help it and I can't explain why I have this desire to reconcile with Avery. Her and Nick get along well so I can't help but think that I am the issue. Maybe if we make up a part of me will feel full. I will know it wasn't me who ruined the relationship, but our parents pitting us against each other.

But Aaron doesn't understand this. I don't blame him. He's right, Avery hates me and even if I invite her to dinner and be as nice as I can, she will never see me as a sister.

I just wish things were different.

I can't forget all of the mean things she has done to me, but I also can't get myself to shut her out and accept our tarnished relationship.

"Hey" I hear his smooth, deep voice pull me from my thoughts as his hand lands on my thigh to give me a comforting squeeze. "I just know she doesn't deserve you. I don't want her to hurt you more than she has."

"I know, Ronny, but it's been almost a year. She didn't come to the wedding and I haven't seen her since I moved out. When I invited her to dinner on the phone she didn't even insult me once. I could tell she was trying."

"She shouldn't have to try to not insult you." He says, "But okay."

I look to him at his last words, "really?"

He nods, "I won't let her be an ass to you, but I'll be open. Ish."

I hug him, feeling his hand go to my waist. "You are the best" I kiss his cheek and pull away, his grip tightening at me trying to leave. I giggle as he pulls me closer to him so that we are side by side. His hand slides from my waist to my thigh and firmly holds me just where my dress cuts off.

"This is short" he mumbles, sliding his hand an inch or two past the fabric and giving me a squeeze. I jolt at the action, putting my hand overtop of his.

He smirks at this, "Something wrong?"

"No...but we are three minutes away from the restaurant."

He scoffs, "You don't think I could do it in three minutes?"